bushido_man96

Good luck, and have fun

I have read of mushin, but have never been able to achieve it, or meditate successfully. I think I will start trying.

There are always some rude people in every crowd that want to ruin someone else's fun.

Most definitely. I don't think you can truly understand a kata, or it's intent, until you go over several aspects of the techniques and their possible applications. This may sound silly, but can you give me a description of the method of how you do it? I could practice with my wife and my brother.

I like this article! I especially like the point it makes about assumptions. The level of specializations are very critical points as well. I really like the analogy made about the knife fighter. It is also refreshing to know that there are some instructors out there who will tell you that there is no ultimate style to learn, especially their own.

My personal opinion is that there is no single art that is a "beginner" style. They all have there strong points. What you should do is go watch a few classes at some different schools, and see what fits you best. And don't just focus on the physical aspects of the classes; see what their philosophies, goals, and outlooks of the staff of the schools are like. They are just as important.

Although I don't think that full contact is necessary for good training, I do believe that you have to make some more "earnest" contact from time to time in training. It is a good thing to get in some smacks every now and then, so we know what it will feel like. Just putting a little more 'emphasis,' shall we say, on a technique from time to time. Sometimes you block differently when the techniques aren't coming so hard.

Good job of using your surroundings. You have to really get used to that adrenaline rush. I was just listening to some guys at the jail yesterday night get riled up about cell searches, and that got mine going.

How much do you suppose that bag weighs?

Those clips were interesting. One of the guys seemed to just spin all of the time. Not a lot of jabs, but a lot of haymakers. I thought there would be more kicking, but not a lot of combinations. They were fast, though.

We don't do any bunkai training in my school at all. From what I have heard talked about it, it sounds like I am missing out on a lot of fun.

Luck is the residue of design - Napolean

This is an interesting observation. Maybe it is because the full contact guys are so earnest in hitting, that the technique starts to slip. If this is the way they train from day one, then they will do the techniques as fast as they can, failing to learn the proper technique first. By learning proper technique first, and then focusing on building speed and power, you should be able to overcome those who take the other approach. However, better technique does not necessarily make the better fighter; strategy and tactics come into play then.

I agree completely.

Chivalry has to do with all different kinds of things, and not as much to do with battle. When you help people and society, and protect your own from attack, whether your family or country, you could call it chivalrous. Chivalry is a code of conduct. Plain and simple. Just like Bushido, which is often referred to as the Japanese chivalric code. Samurai were not the only chivalrous ones out there. Peasants could be as well. When you do your duty to your family, employer, country, then it is done according to your code of conduct. If I claim to be chivalrous when you confront me, it does not mean I am going to let you take the first shot, nor does it mean I am going to fight on even grounds according to rules. I will cheap shot, kick dirt in your eyes, and get the sun to my back to try to blind you. Does this make me unchivalrous or dishonorable? No. No matter what the society is, there are certain things that are considered wrong. When you do what is right to combat what is wrong, it is chivalrous.

Please do

I wish I was in a more populated area, where I could just go to the fighter practices 2 times a week. I agree with you, I don't want to camp, but the competitions do interest me.

Maybe you could check out some caporiea web sites.

If you can get some help, it can go smoothly.

I am not sure how you would safely incorporate knees and elbows into the sparring

You did something I am not sure I would have done. You don't know what kind of people are out there. I don't like to stereotype, but I do like to keep myself safe. Personally, I don't carry weapons of any kind on me, except for a kubotan as a key chain, and that is just when I go to work. Trying to stay safe in the world today causes us to second guess our judgement in certain situations.

Even as a TKD guy, I think you might get more self-defense help from the Kenpo classes, unless you get hooked up with a nice traditional TKD school.

Ok, how about this: side step out with your back leg, and do a lead knifehand strike to neck level, followed by hook punch to body/ribs, followed by a back leg round kick to body or head (preferably head ). Lead backfist to the head (in reality, to the side of the face), then turn fast into a spin side kick to the body. Here's a kicker: Start about two stance lengths away from the bag, and do a Thai style push kick to body level with the back leg, and push the bag away hard....follow with a spin side kick with the other leg into the body, or if you can pull it off, do the spin side kick like you are switching your feet really fast, almost like a little jump.

I think that Kenpo may have better hand techniques, but TKD would be the way to go for kicking. If it an Olympic style of TKD that you learn, they will focus on speed and counter kicks, footwork, and timing. They will probably have some good target drills to keep your interest as well.

That article very well makes the case for katas. A very nice article indeed. You mentioned "making your own kata." Sounds like a good idea, studying moves in depth, and putting them together with principles in mind....oh, the possibilities!